Bynack More

Bynack More, at 1,090 metres, is a prominent Munro forming the north-eastern cornerstone of the Cairngorms, lacking any grand corries but making up for it as a magnificent viewpoint over Moray, with nothing higher to interrupt the view from its summit.

The route starts from the Allt Mòr car park, signed near Glenmore, following a clear path through magnificent Scots pines past An Lochan Uaine, the fairy-associated Green Lochan. Beyond, the path reaches Ryvoan Bothy and continues onto open moorland, crossing the River Nethy via a well-built bridge before climbing part of the Lairig an Laoigh — an ancient cross-country route, considerably tougher and less celebrated than the more famous Lairig Ghru. Where the Lairig path forks near the plateau north of Bynack More, a right turn heads directly for the mountain, with the path steepening as it winds up the north ridge, avoiding the rocky crest, to the summit.

A short distance south of the main cairn lie the Barns of Bynack, huge granite tors among the largest in the Cairngorms — the "Big Barns" require a genuinely hard scramble to top and are best admired from below, while the smaller "Little Barns" nearby offer an easier scramble. Energetic parties can continue further south to the Top of A' Choinneach — once a Munro in its own right — before descending to the Saddle, a col notoriously prone to full-depth avalanches in winter, and following Strath Nethy back north to rejoin the outward route.

The out-and-back route from Glenmore is around 22.5 kilometres with roughly 970-978 metres of ascent, typically seven to eight and a half hours; a bike can cover roughly half the distance on the approach tracks for those wanting to save time.

The river crossing at the Nethy and the boggy going in Strath Nethy on any circular variation both demand care, and this remains a long day in remote terrain — full navigation skills and appropriate planning for the distance involved are essential despite the generally straightforward nature of the paths.

The Allt Mòr car park is chargeable; a bus runs from Aviemore to Glenmore.